The Kano State Government has said preparations have reached advanced stage for the 2025 Kano Cultural Festival (KANFEST), aimed at promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage and creative industry.

The Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam-Gwarzo, stated this while addressing journalists on Friday in Kano ahead of the event.

The three-day event is scheduled to hold between October 25 and 27.

Mr Abdulsalam-Gwarzo said the festival would serve as a platform to showcase the diverse culture, creativity, craftsmanship, and commerce that have defined Kano for centuries.

According to him, KANFEST 2025 aligns with the vision of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration to revive, preserve, and promote Kano’s cultural values, traditions, and artistic talents.

“For us to succeed, we need the cooperation and support of all stakeholders, especially the media, in projecting our culture to the nation and the world,” Mr Abdulsalam-Gwarzo said.

Describing culture as the “soul of every society,” the deputy governor observed that it was also a key driver of unity, identity, and economic growth.

“Culture defines who we are and how we live, it unites us and transmits our values to future generations. That is why this administration is committed to reviving and reconnecting our youth with their roots,” he added.

The deputy governor explained that the festival would highlight Kano’s historical role as a center of civilisation, scholarship, craftsmanship, and trade, adding that the state remains a melting pot of diverse cultures from across Nigeria and West Africa.

“By doing this, we reaffirm Kano’s place as a cultural capital and creative hub in Nigeria and the West African sub-region,” he said.

The deputy governor also noted that KANFEST would create opportunities for youth and artisans by attracting investors, tourists, and cultural collaborators from within and outside the country.

He said the cultural and creative sectors hold vast potential for job creation and economic diversification, “particularly at a time when the nation is facing economic challenges.

“Cultural industries can provide jobs, attract tourism, and strengthen communities. We believe this initiative will help tackle unemployment among our youth while reviving our cultural pride and values.”

He assured that adequate security measures had been put in place to ensure the safety of participants and visitors during and after the festival.

He said the event would also set the stage for a long-term documentation, preservation, and promotion of Kano’s Cultural Heritage for future generations.

(NAN)